Dear Santa:

I know we didn't hit it off very well the other day. And I didn't get the chance to tell you what I want for Christmas. So, here's my list:

- Mug full of hot coffee
- Some live wires
- An open bottle of beer (I just want to pour it everywhere)
- A box, stool... whatever will help me get up onto the tables in this house.
- Another empty milk jug

That's about it. By the way, I forgive you.

Movin' On Up!!!

My parents' have a new obsession... I can walk (and drop right back down on my butt)! Really, the only reason I try to walk is because I am so entertained with everyone else's excitement. They smile so big for me. And I smile right back. It's contagious, you know. But, to get from A to Z, I crawl. And I am not light on the knees and hands. No Sir-reee. BAM! BAM!! BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM!!!!!!! You always know when I'm afoot and aknee.

You'll also always know when I'm on my way up the stairs. I'm loud and fast. I like to get half way up, turn around, and give a big loud happy growl A spectator's growled response is always appreciated. If ever I am blue (screaming my face off), someone will open the back door and offer me the stairs. It's like an olive branch. Off I go. Love love love the stairs. Don't mind the big rug burns I have on my forehead, nose, lip, and chin . I am learning (on Dad's shift) that this stair climbing is risky business.

Dat!!

Dat's me and a pumpkin. I like pointing my finger at them and saying "dat!?" And my mama will say "pumpkin!" But that's not all. It seems as if lots of things have names around here. My favorite things to point at are cats (just the sight of them makes me vigorously pump my legs), airplanes, trees, and dogs. But be sure not to leave any of my dats unanswered. Or any of my needs unmet, for that matter. You wouldn't believe how horrible of a sound my cute little face can make. Fingernails on a chalkboard have nothing on me.

Get me off this FUN BOAT!!

I didn't like being stuffed into this life jacket! But it's the law. Fortunately for everyone else on board, I quickly chilled out. It was such a beautiful day on the San Francisco bay, it was hard to have a bad attitude. Believe me, I tried. My auntie and uncle took us for a ride so we could watch part of the Bay Bridge being repaired. I didn't notice. I was fed and my diaper was changed... and that's all I cared about.

I'm #1

Turning one is messy work, but someone's got to do it. As you can see, I had no problem making myself right at home with this cake. I had a 6 incher all to myself while everybody else ate cupcakes.

I can move forwards, now. I still make very little use of my knees, but as long as I am on a slick surface I can sufficiently pull myself around with my buffed out arms.

We recently returned from a week long trip to Idaho. I was an exceptional traveler. For real. And while I was there, I pretty much just watched the world go by. Oh, and my Grandma insisted that I should be eating some more finger food. She was right. It's much more entertaining to feed myself. That means that I am less grumpy at mealtime. Phew.

Don Dylan

Well it's been a while and not that much has changed with me. I have a little more hair now. Oh, and I can do military presses!! Unfortunately, what I am really trying to do is crawl, but instead of getting on my hands and knees, I get on my hands and TOES. Dang it! And instead of going forwards, I go backwards... and wind up under some furniture. And cry.

My mom is beginning to think that I am somehow full blooded Sicilian. Whenever someone takes away a toy or tries to dress me I go haywire. It definitely would be easier to put a halloween costume on a feral cat than to put a simple shirt on me. The only way I am truly manageable is when I am strapped to someone's back. Above is what I look like when I am restrained. Aren't I sweet? Just don't cross me.

My Great Grandmere is hot!

And so am I. As you can see, we look alike. I wonder if she also had a distaste for all things dairy. Or if she liked to growl and yell at the top of her lungs, too. I bet we have lots of things in common!